I’m going to keep this one quick because it’s pretty self-explanatory. The Cubs have generally lacked the willingness to commit big money on multiyear guarantees for relievers, and that should be the case again this winter. Their pursuit of lefty Tanner Scott stands as an exception to the rule, though they eventually chose not to match the Dodgers’ offer. Now, with nearly all of their biggest bullpen contributors hitting free agency, Jed Hoyer will likely rebuild on a budget once again.
We got the first hint at this continuing strategy when Andrew Kittredge was traded back to Baltimore on Tuesday.